Alou Kuol Explained
Alou Kuol |
Fullname: | Alou Mawien Kuol |
Birth Date: | 5 July 2001 |
Birth Place: | Khartoum, Sudan |
Height: | 1.84 m[1] |
Position: | Striker |
Currentclub: | Central Coast Mariners |
Clubnumber: | 9 |
Youthclubs1: | Shepparton Soccer Club |
Youthyears2: | 2014–2017 |
Youthclubs2: | Goulburn Valley Suns |
Years1: | 2017–2019 |
Caps1: | 46 |
Goals1: | 28 |
Clubs1: | Goulburn Valley Suns |
Years2: | 2019–2020 |
Caps2: | 9 |
Goals2: | 6 |
Clubs2: | CCM Academy |
Years3: | 2020–2021 |
Caps3: | 30 |
Goals3: | 7 |
Years5: | 2021–2023 |
Caps5: | 32 |
Goals5: | 7 |
Clubs5: | VfB Stuttgart II |
Years6: | 2022 |
Caps6: | 1 |
Goals6: | 0 |
Clubs6: | → SV Sandhausen (loan) |
Years7: | 2022–2023 |
Caps7: | 1 |
Goals7: | 0 |
Clubs7: | VfB Stuttgart |
Years8: | 2023– |
Caps8: | 28 |
Goals8: | 5 |
Nationalyears1: | 2022– |
Nationalteam1: | Australia U23 |
Nationalcaps1: | 14 |
Nationalgoals1: | 5 |
Club-Update: | 27 May 2024 |
Nationalteam-Update: | 27 March 2024 |
Alou Kuol (born 5 July 2001) is a professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Central Coast Mariners. Born in Sudan, he represents Australia at youth level.
Early life
Alou Kuol was born in Khartoum to South Sudanese parents, and has five younger brothers and an older brother, who he credits for forcing him to relocate for soccer when he first joined the Mariners Academy.[2] Kuol's family fled Sudan when he was three, staying in Egypt for a year before arriving in Sydney. In 2015, Kuol moved to Shepparton, where he later worked as a kitchen hand while playing youth football.[3]
Club career
Central Coast Mariners
Kuol began his senior career with Victorian side Goulburn Valley Suns, after coming through the side's youth teams.[4] Kuol trialled with A-League clubs Melbourne Victory and Western United but was unsuccessful in receiving a contract.[2] He signed for Central Coast Mariners in late-2019, initially playing for the youth team in the Y-League.[5] Kuol also briefly trialed with Portuguese club Sporting CP in their under-19 squad.[2]
Kuol made his professional debut as a substitute on 1 March 2020 in the Mariners' 6–2 defeat against Western United.[6] Three days later, Kuol was awarded a scholarship with the Mariners, extending to the end of the 2020–21 season.[7] [8] He made his starting debut for the Mariners in a goalless draw against Newcastle Jets on 24 July 2020,[9] and received media attention for his colourful post-match interview.[10]
VfB Stuttgart
On 16 April 2021, following interest from several top European teams, Kuol signed a 4-year contract with VfB Stuttgart, signing until June 2025.[11] Delegated to VfB Stuttgart II, Kuol scored seven goals in his first 13 appearances with the reserve side, leading second in the goalscoring charts for the Regionalliga Südwest by November.[12]
On 31 January 2022, Kuol was loaned to SV Sandhausen until the end of the season.[13] He made his debut on 30 April 2022 in a 2–1 defeat to Schalke, in which he was sent off in the 5th-minute of added time, after a challenge on Thomas Ouwejan. Kuol was suspended for three games, missing the remaining matches of the league season.[14]
On his return to Stuttgart, Kuol made his Bundesliga debut on 27 January 2023 in a 2–1 defeat to RB Leipzig.[15] [16] [17]
Return to Central Coast Mariners
On 10 July 2023, Kuol signed a three-year deal to return with Central Coast Mariners.[18] He made his returning debut in the A-League on 20 October 2023 in a 3–0 loss against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.[19] Kuol was taken off in the 34th minute of the match after suffering a knee injury from a challenge on Alexandar Popovic; doctors tested for an ACL injury but concluded it to be a knock.[20]
Kuol was part of the Mariners' Championship, Premiership and AFC Cup winning 2023-24 season.[21] [22] [23] Kuol scored the only goal of the 2024 AFC Cup final in the 84th minute against Al Ahed.[24]
International career
In May 2022, Kuol was selected in the Australian under-23 team for the 2022 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.[25] He scored in Australia's second game of the group stage, netting the opening goal with a scorpion kick in a 1–1 draw with Iraq.[26] [27] [28] [29] Kuol was named as a Puskás award nominee on 13 January 2023 for his strike at Markaziy Stadium.[30] [31] [32]
Personal life
Kuol's younger brother, Garang, plays for Newcastle United.[33] Another younger brother, Teng Kuol, currently plays for Sydney Olympic,[34] after previously playing for the Central Coast Mariners Academy, Western Sydney Wanderers FC Youth and Melbourne Victory FC Youth.[35] [36] [37] [38]
Career statistics
Honours
Central Coast Mariners
Individual
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: Alou Kuol . Bundesliga . 15 October 2022 . 23 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230323145356/https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/player/alou-kuol . live .
- Web site: Rugari. Vince. 30 January 2021. 'I'm not boring': Why Mariners cult hero Alou Kuol is just warming up. The Sydney Morning Herald. 30 January 2021. 23 February 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210223162825/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/i-m-not-boring-why-mariners-cult-hero-alou-kuol-is-just-warming-up-20210130-p56y1j.html. live.
- News: Youth Academy: Alou Kuol. 28 March 2019. 8 August 2020. Benalla Ensign.
- News: Shepparton teen 'ready for A-League', tips ex-Wimbledon striker. Aidan. Ormond. 11 July 2019. 7 August 2020. FTBL.com.au. 24 March 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210324230713/https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/shepparton-teen-ready-for-a-league-tips-ex-wimbledon-striker-528019. live.
- News: Shepparton's Alou Kuol signs for Central Coast Mariners. Alex. Mitchell. 15 November 2019. 8 August 2020. Riverine Herald.
- News: Shepparton's Alou Kuol makes A-League debut. Liam. Nash. 7 August 2020. 2 March 2020. Shepparton News. 11 March 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200311222255/https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/2020/03/02/1064888/sheppartons-alou-kuol-makes-a-league-debut. live.
- Web site: Alou Kuol's big week continues with Scholarship deal . Central Coast Mariners . 21 October 2023 . 4 March 2020 . 21 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230321123746/https://ccmariners.com.au/news/alou-kuols-big-week-continues-scholarship-deal . live .
- News: Shepparton's Alou Kuol signs contract with A-League club. Liam. Nash. 7 August 2020. 5 March 2020. McIvor Times. 3 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200403161225/https://www.mcivortimes.com.au/shepp-sport/2020/03/05/1067994/alou-kuol-signs-contract-with-central-coast-mariners. live.
- News: Alou Kuol's starting debut one to remember. Shepparton News. Liam. Nash. 8 August 2020. 27 July 2020. 24 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200924011711/https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/2020/07/27/1473073/alou-kuols-starting-debut-one-to-remember. live.
- News: Kuol leaves lasting impression after F3 derby stalemate. A-League. 24 July 2020. 7 August 2020. John. Greco. 11 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200811105111/https://www.a-league.com.au/news/kuol-leaves-lasting-impression-after-f3-derby-stalemate. live.
- Web site: VfB sign Alou Kuol. VfB Stuttgart. 16 April 2021. 16 April 2021. 11 May 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220511093610/https://www.vfb.de/en/vfb/latest/news/professionals/2021/vfb-verpflichtet-alou-kuol-/. live.
- Web site: Francis . Kieran . The rise of Alou Kuol: The Australian talent making an impression at Stuttgart . Sporting News . 21 October 2023 . en-gb . 21 October 2021 . 22 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231022001243/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/football/news/the-rise-of-alou-kuol-the-australian-talent-making-an-impression-at-stuttgart/1t3lq6we87bul16qpl9i14wa16 . live .
- SV Sandhausen. Alou Kuol comes from VfB Stuttgart. 31 January 2022. 7 February 2022. de. 7 February 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220207215448/https://www.svs1916.de/aktuelles/news/detail/article/alou-kuol-kommt-vom-vfb-stuttgart.html. live.
- Web site: Platzverweis beim Debüt: DFB sperrt Kuol . Kicker . 21 October 2023 . de-DE . 2 May 2022 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235740/https://www.kicker.de/platzverweis-beim-debuet-dfb-sperrt-kuol-900518/artikel . live .
- Web site: Forage . Toby . Alou Kuol makes Stuttgart debut in Bundesliga . beIN SPORTS . 21 October 2023 . en-au . 28 January 2023 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235740/https://www.beinsports.com/en-au/football/bundesliga/articles-video/alou-kuol-makes-stuttgart-debut-in-bundesliga . live .
- Web site: James . Euan . Aussies Abroad Wrap: Mooy scores and assists, Mabil & Alou Kuol debut . Socceroos . 21 October 2023 . en . 30 January 2023 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235740/https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/aussies-abroad-wrap-alou-kuol-makes-bundesliga-debut#:~:text=In%20Germany%2C%20Alou%20Kuol%20came,Leipzig%202%2D1%20on%20Saturday. . live .
- Web site: Francis . Kieran . Who is Alou Kuol? Brother of Garang makes Bundesliga debut for Stuttgart . Sporting News . 21 October 2023 . en-gb . 9 February 2023 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235741/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/football/news/alou-kuol-garang-bundesliga-stuttgart/q9aqfsnxtemad3sdwgtbf9bg . live .
- Web site: Alou Kuol returns home to the Central Coast Mariners . Central Coast Mariners . 10 July 2023 . 10 July 2023 . 10 July 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230710104955/https://ccmariners.com.au/news/alou-kuol-returns-home-to-the-central-coast-mariners . live .
- Web site: Gagliardi . Lee . Refreshed Reds show early promise even without Goodwin . FTBL . 21 October 2023 . 21 October 2023 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235742/https://www.ftbl.com.au/news/refreshed-reds-show-early-promise-even-without-goodwin-601499 . live .
- Web site: Comito . Matt . Positive update to double injury blow as Mariners avoid a 'nightmare': 'Could have been worse' . . 21 October 2023 . en-AU . 20 October 2023 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021050758/https://aleagues.com.au/news/mariners-injury-update-kuol-kaltak-2023-24-aleague-men-adelaide/ . live .
- Web site: Central Coast Mariners secure A-league Men's premier's plate with win over Adelaide United. ABC News (Australia). 2 February 2024.
- Web site: Central Coast Mariners become first Australian club to win AFC Cup. ABC News (Australia). 6 May 2024.
- Web site: Mariners defeat Victory in inspirational Grand Final showdown. Coast Community News. 27 May 2024.
- Web site: Kuol strike secures Central Coast Mariners historic title. Asian Football Confederation. 6 May 2024.
- News: 11 NSW young guns set for U23's Asian Cup quest. 18 May 2022. 19 May 2022. Football NSW. 9 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220809111905/https://footballnsw.com.au/2022/05/18/11-nsw-young-guns-set-for-u23s-asian-cup-quest/. live.
- Web site: Ward . Roy . 'Don't ask me how I've done it': Young Socceroo Alou Kuol scores scorpion goal . The Sydney Morning Herald . 21 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20220605092447/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/don-t-ask-me-how-i-ve-done-it-young-socceroo-alou-kuol-scores-scorpion-goal-20220605-p5ar4s.html . 5 June 2022 . en . 4 June 2022.
- Web site: 'Don't ask me how I done it': Australian Alou Kuol scores stunning scorpion goal . The Guardian . Australian Associated Press . 21 October 2023 . 5 June 2022 . 5 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220605223508/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jun/05/dont-ask-me-how-i-done-it-australian-alou-kuol-scores-stunning-scorpion-goal . live .
- Web site: Rayson . Zac . 'I'll do it again!' Aussie gun Alou Kuol's brilliant reply after stunning scorpion goal . Fox Sports . 21 October 2023 . en . 5 June 2022 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235742/https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/socceroos/football-news-2022-alou-kuol-scores-scorpion-goal-for-australia-under-23-team-afc-u23-asian-cup-uzbekistan-australia-u23-vs-iraq-news-video-scores-results/news-story/9d25da81df05eeafe6a1e03a2afac3fe . live .
- Web site: Optus Sport Daily: Australia's new Scorpion King goes viral after wonder goal . Optus Sport . 21 October 2023 . 5 June 2022 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235741/https://sport.optus.com.au/news/optus-sport-daily/os43921/alou-kuol-goal-scorpion-kick-australia-under-23s-asian-cup-jose-mourinho-psg-roma . live .
- Web site: Roy . Shilarze Saha . Float like Alou Kuol, sting like a 'scorpion' . FIFA . 21 October 2023 . 19 January 2023 . 23 August 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230823222614/https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/articles/float-like-alou-kuol-sting-like-a-scorpion . live .
- Web site: Alou Kuol nominated for FIFA Puskás Award . Socceroos . 21 October 2023 . en . 13 January 2023 . 21 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231021235743/https://www.socceroos.com.au/news/kuol-nominated-fifa-puskas-award . live .
- Web site: Rugari . Vince . Alou Kuol bags Puskas Award nomination as Garang seals Hearts loan move . The Sydney Morning Herald . 21 October 2023 . https://archive.today/20231021071231/https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/alou-kuol-bags-puskas-award-nomination-as-garang-seals-hearts-loan-move-20230113-p5cca1.html . 21 October 2023 . en . 13 January 2023.
- Web site: Mariners crush APIA to reach FFA Cup semis. northernbeachesreview.com.au. 21 December 2021. 21 December 2021. 21 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211221142127/https://www.northernbeachesreview.com.au/story/7560913/mariners-crush-apia-to-reach-ffa-cup-semis/?cs=2439. live.
- Web site: Teng Kuol scores for Wanderers as NPL gets started . Yahoo! Sport . 6 February 2023 . 19 March 2023 . 19 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230319121049/https://au.sports.yahoo.com/teng-kuol-scores-wanderers-npl-235900492.html . live .
- Web site: Gibson . Bransen . Teng Kuol on the score sheet in Western Sydney Wanderers' NPL NSW opener . Shepparton News . 8 February 2023 . 19 March 2023 . 19 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230319121047/https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/teng-kuol-on-the-scoresheet-in-western-sydney-wanderers-npl-nsw-opener/ . live .
- Web site: Teng to Central Coast Mariners has Kuol-y Grail runneth over . Shepparton News . 8 December 2021 . 19 March 2023 . 19 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230319121049/https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/teng-to-central-coast-mariners-has-kuol-y-grail-runneth-over/ . live .
- Web site: Teng Kuol pens Melbourne Victory move . Shepparton News . 11 March 2021 . 19 March 2023 . 19 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230319122439/https://www.sheppnews.com.au/sport/2021/03/11/3687243/teng-kuol-pens-melbourne-victory-move/ . live .
- Web site: TENG KUOL SIGNS FOR MELBOURNE VICTORY . Facebook . Goulburn Valley Suns . 19 March 2023.
- News: Player statistics for Alou Kuol. 6 June 2022. National Premier Leagues. 5 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220605161812/https://websites.mygameday.app/team_info.cgi?action=PSTATS&client=0-10179-150724-567871-26748911&pID=207233759&pname=A%20Kuol&news_task=DETAIL. live.
- Web site: 2019 Annual Report. Football Victoria. 69. 6 June 2022. 12 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220312071258/https://www.footballvictoria.com.au/sites/ffv/files/2020-05/FFV0023%20ANNUAL%20REPORT%202019.pdf. live.